Ask Lianne

Here is your chance to pose your questions to her and get a female perspective about any questions you might have that you need advice for. She'll respond to selected questions with her answers for you right here.

August 27, 2005

Dear Lianne,
Do you think the market for Asian models is growing? If so, in what areas?
Anonymous

The Asian market has been growing steadily in ALL areas over the years, and I'm very proud of the progress. When I was a teenager I used to collect photos of Asian models from magazines because they were so rare, and I would be (pleasantly) surprised to see an Asian in a commercial. Now, we see them in many TV shows, music videos, movies, and in all kinds of advertising campaigns, including billboards. As the Asian population in the U.S. grows, we can expect to see more and more opportunities for Asian models.

I've been seeing more Asian fashion models on the runway and in high fashion ads. However, the fashion market still seems to call for women who are at least 5'8" or 5'9" and men who are at least 6', so although diversity is embraced, Asians are still the minority on the runway.

In the world of commercials and commercial print, models are usually friendly looking, with a nice clean look - great skin and a dazzling smile. These models can be of varying heights and are seen in ads, brochures, catalogues, store posters, etc. Nowadays, many companies try to include models of different races, so Asian models are being hired more frequently.

Most female Asian models are seen in the glamour sector, where girls are not required to be tall and stick-thin. Import models are categorized as glamour models because of their sexy outfits and primarily male audience. In the world of glamour modeling, there is a lot of pressure to pose nude, and it is the model's decision to choose how far she will go.

It is now pretty normal to see Asian models/dancers in music videos, which I think is great. I also see a lot more Asian actors in movies, whether principal or background. Promotional modeling is widely available for models of any race or height who are very friendly and outgoing. This type of modeling is almost like being a salesperson, because the model is paid to represent a company at a live event.

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Lianne grew up near Berkeley, California and went from a quiet and shy girl to a woman who is now a professional model, actress, photographer, artist, and hair stylist.

Find out more about Lianne here: www.liannelin.com

Photos used by permission courtesy of Lianne Lin (www.liannelin.com). Photos are copyrighted by Lianne Lin.